[dundee] laws relationg to building pc's

[Robert McWilliam]

On 02/12/07 17:23:10, Tim Spencer wrote:
> i was wondering if anybody knows the laws relating to building computers.
> i am know that certain criteria has to be fulfilled so that one can sell
> computers, e.g. metal Cassy but i don't know where its referenced from and
> what other rules apply?
> I want to build a PC with an touch screen embedded in it and i just want to
> know what criteria i have to fulfill to be able to sell it?

First off: I am not a Lawyer and this is not legal advice (on account of 
giving legal advice when not a lawyer being illegal...). There are a couple 
of things you have to ensure:

- Electromagnetic emissions: there are legal maximums for how much EM 
radiation electronics are allowed to radiate in the different frequency 
ranges. For the most part with building computers the testing is done by the 
board manufacturers and they will provide a guarantee that their devices wont 
break the law when used in a certain way (usually that's put in a metal case 
but you should probably check - if you are using a custom case you might have 
to get the system tested).
 - Health and safety: You are responsible if a computer you've built 
electrocutes someone (and possibly if they drop it on their toes and you 
didn't have it labelled as heavy and include instructions on how it should be 
carried...). 
 - WEEE (or however many E's there should be in it): There are 
responsibilities for suppliers in ensuring propper disposal at end of life: 
http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/sustainability/weee/page30269.html

You almost certainly want to get public liability insurance (and possibly 
against some of the other varieties of liability, an insurance broker can give 
more details (and lots of reasons why you should)). 

________________________________________________________
Robert McWilliam     rmcw at allmail.net    www.ormiret.com

Descartes is sitting in a bar, having a drink. The bartender asks him
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puff of logic.